Folks have been asking about fishing and access, so here's a quick update on what's happening on the Bow.
The Bow has been fishing quite well for this time of year due to our relatively stable weather. Both floating and from shore have been doing well. Pretty much all nymph and streamer fishing as there have not been many fish looking up. However, that may change as some hatches kick in. The bugs that are out at the moment are midges, the last of our winter stones, and this past week we have seen the Skwalla stone flies hatching. The first hatch of BWO's spotted in the last couple of days as well. Between the Skwalla's and the BWO's the fish may start to look up more consistently.
This is the time of year the AB Rivers App can be very helpful. Seeing when the water levels increase due to spring storms or runoff if it gets consistently warm enough, can guide you to what is happening on your chosen "open" water. Remember many streams are still closed until later in the spring. Check your regulations.
This is also the time of year when Rainbow trout prepare to spawn. Please be on the lookout and avoid redds when on the water. “Don’t tread on redds.”
Launch update: Glenmore, Fish Creek, Policeman's, McKinnon's, Legacy, and Carseland boat launches are all accessible. Upgrades, by the province, to the McKinnon's Rd can now be enjoyed! The upper city launches are open as well.
Fish Tales has paused Guiding activities while this third Covid wave is unfortunately upon us. We did make some last minute cancelations when the return to stage 1 restrictions were announced. We take the health and safety of our staff, clients, and families very seriously and will update everyone once we resume guiding services.
In the mean time enjoy what the spring is offering.
Flies to try:
Nymphs: These continue to be your best bet. San Juan Worms and leeches are the consistent producers at the moment. With the Skwalla's hatching it is definatly worth trying a #8 or #10 stonefly nymph pattern (jimmy legs, smethurst stone bombs, wired stones). Or you could opt for other proven patterns like a beadhead princes, copper johns, hare's ears, or brassies.
Dries: An 8-10 darker stone dry to represent a Skwalla with a dropper has a very legitimate chance of working if you want to get away from deep nymphing. Griffiths Gnat #16 or #18 for midge eaters. Watch for BWO's imminently!
Streamers: Black and White clousers, skiddish smolt, dungeons, Kreelex minnows, leech patterns
Happy Fishing.